Anti-Aginig: Sunscreen--the Real Fountain of Youth

By Rachel Burt

Edited by Therese Mulgrew 

“Wear Sunscreen” by Baz Luhrmann is a 10 minute song that gives advice in almost every category of life. The first, the last, and the most important commandment in the entirety of the song is: “Trust me on the sunscreen." There has to be a reason for that, now wouldn’t you think?

What You Need to Know About Sunscreen (But Don't):

For years, doctors have told patients that unprotected skin exposure to the sun is a major cause of premature aging of the skin resulting in unwanted lines, wrinkles, and sun-spots. However, it seems everyone prefers to soak in the sun all summer long and apply anti-aging cream all winter long. 

Truth be told, rain or shine, "liberally applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains both UVA and UVB protection every day is the single most important thing you can do to prevent sun damage and skin cancer,” says New York City dermatologist Doris Day. Without using sunscreen, all that anti-aging cream you have been applying is just a waste of money.

Why? It’s scientifically proven that 90% of signs of aging on the skin, including wrinkles and age spots, are caused by the sun. In a Medical research study from Queensland, Australia, 900 participants (all Caucasian adults between the ages of 25 and 55) were asked to apply a broad spectrum SPF 15 to their head, neck, arms and hands every morning, with reapplication after heavy sweating, bathing or spending more than a few hours outdoors. After nearly five years, the daily sunscreen users showed no detectable increase in fine lines or wrinkles, and by the end of the trial, skin aging was 24% less for sunscreen users than non-users. This experiment clearly shows why it is important to not only wear sunscreen when you are at the beach but wear it everyday. I mean, 365 days a year.

Many anti-aging creams have a specific list of products, which help in the aid of hydrating the skin, and plumping up the surface, resulting in a radiant, soft tone and texture. So, if you moisturize well, the skin will certainly glow. Moisturizer and sunscreen is really all one needs.

Tips on buying the right sunscreen:

1. All sunscreen brands must follow a new FDA guideline in order to pass for safe sunscreen use.

2. Look out for the words "broad spectrum." This implies that it offers protection against both UVB rays and UVA rays. One should apply a small shot glass worth of broad spectrum SPF of at least 15 sunscreen everyday to exposed skin including face, neck, chest, hands, ears and feet

3. Any product with an SPF of 14 or lower must carry warnings that read “This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn not skin cancer or early skin aging.”

4. Anything higher than 50+ is only slightly better. 

5. No sunscreen is proven “water proof,” only water resistant for 40 to 80 minutes.

6. All sunscreens must warn users to reapply sunscreen every two hours, no product can offer all-day protection.

7. Men should also be wearing sunscreen every day – especially those who are bald or losing their hair, as there is more skin likely to be exposed in the direct line of the sun.

Brands I recommend:

1. Neutrogena: pure and free liquid block.

2. Paula's Choice: extra care, non-greasy (for sensitive skin).

3. L’oreal: Liquid Sublime Sun.

4. Clinique: offers a wide variety of oil free face protection.

5. Badger: certified organic and natural ingredients.

6. Coconut Oil: You heard me, the simplest form of SPF used by the locals and natives of the Hawaiian and Tahitian islands is pure coconut oil. Not only did it help keep them golden and sun kissed but it also protected them from ever burning. 

Until next time fashionistas, stay youthful and beautiful. Signing off from Portugal, xoxo.